Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
4.63719 reviews101 Wheeler St
Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsPeace & QuietStargazing
Quick Facts
13 ftPrice
$9 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
No Pets
Showers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
13 ftPrice
$9 - $40/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
16 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
No Pets
Showers
Get DirectionsCumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
$9.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $9 for walk-to campsites to $40 for group tent-only areas. Fees do not include ferry tickets or reservation service fees.
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$9.00
Group Site Fee$40.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.63
Top-Rated
Based on 719 reviews
8 Google reviews
Most mentioned
beachwell-maintainedsites
Some mention
reservation
"Reviews highlight the island's natural beauty and the sense of solitude. Common themes include wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, and challenges like ticks and overgrown trails."
Campground Map
101 Wheeler St
Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
101 Wheeler St
Driving directionsTake Exit 3 from Interstate 95. At the exit stop light turn east on to Highway 40. Follow the signs traveling east into Historic St. Marys. Highway 40 East will become Osborne St. Once you reach the waterfront, turn right at the stop sign onto St Marys Street. The NPS Visitor Center is in the two-story, blue building one block down on the left.
The campground is accessible via the Cumberland Island Ferry from St. Marys, Georgia; ferry services do not transport vehicles or RVs. Visitors traveling by private boat can also access the island. The ferry schedule varies seasonally and does not operate on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from December to February.Nearby places
St. Marys, GA (0 miles, within walking distance to ferry dock)
Jacksonville, FL (approximately 45 miles, 1-hour drive)
Brunswick, GA (approximately 30 miles, 40-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
St. Marys, GA offers the nearest location for groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. There are no stores or restaurants on Cumberland Island
visitors must bring all necessary provisions.
Best Time to Camp at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
Summer brings sultry Southern heat and humidity to the island, where Spanish moss sways in warm breezes and the air hums with insect life. Smart campers pack plenty of bug spray for these months when ticks and mosquitoes thrive. Winter transforms Cumberland into a hiker's paradise, with crisp, comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring miles of trails without the summer's buzzing companions. Spring and fall offer the sweet spot—mild weather ideal for both beach lounging and forest adventures.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5
Summer brings sultry heat and high insect activity; good beaches but bug issues noted.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Fall offers pleasant weather and fewer insects; reviewers recommend shoulder seasons.
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Spring generally pleasant for weather and wildlife viewing; occasional rain possible.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 15% in GACooler temps and far fewer bugs, but ferry schedules are reduced in winter.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open year-round. Ferry schedules are reduced December through February.
- Current Alerts: Wilderness areas may close during managed hunts from October to January.
About Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
Escape to Cumberland Island, where five unique camping experiences await among ancient maritime forests and untouched Atlantic shores. From the amenity-rich Sea Camp with its shaded sites and nearby facilities, to the remote wilderness of Brickhill Bluff where only the sound of waves breaks the silence, each campground tells its own story. Whether you choose the semi-developed charm of Stafford Beach or venture deep into the backcountry at Hickory Hill and Yankee Paradise, you'll find yourself immersed in one of the East Coast's last unspoiled barrier islands.
Cumberland Island features a variety of camping types, from developed sites at Sea Camp to primitive backcountry camping in wilderness areas like Yankee Paradise and Hickory Hill.
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Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Various reviews suggest early ferry arrival is recommended
- official check-in times are not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially at 10:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Stay limit is 7 consecutive nights.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
A wide range of activities is available on Cumberland Island, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring cultural sites like Dungeness Ruins and Plum Orchard Mansion. The beaches, maritime forests, and expansive trails offer ample opportunity for recreation.
HikingOver 50 miles of trails are available, ranging from easy beach strolls to overgrown backcountry routes. Trails like Rollercoaster and Kings Bottom Trail are noted for their rugged, unmaintained conditions.
FishingFishing is permitted along the island’s shores, with several users recommending the docks near the mainland for better catches.
SwimmingSwimming is possible along Cumberland Island’s 17 miles of undeveloped beaches. Campers frequent the ocean for its solitude and pristine waters.
BikingBiking is allowed on sandy trails and roads but prohibited on forested trails. Cyclists should use wide tires due to the loose sand. Many reviews suggest bringing personal bikes as rentals can be in poor condition.
BoatingBoating access to the island is available via the mainland ferry or private vessels. The ferry does not accommodate cars or RVs.
Wildlife viewingThe island is home to wild horses, armadillos, raccoons, birds, and deer. Visitors frequently highlight the abundance of wildlife and the rarity of human encounters.
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Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsTicks, mosquitoes, and no-see-ums are prevalent, especially in warmer months. Trails may be poorly marked, leading to navigation difficulties.
Active AlertsWilderness areas may close during managed hunts from October to January.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at Sea Camp and Stafford Beach to protect against raccoons.
Weather at Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits
Reviews
4.6
719 reviews
Cumberland Island National Seashore Camping Permits is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the island's natural beauty and the sense of solitude. Common themes include wildlife encounters, pristine beaches, and challenges like ticks and overgrown trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 719 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the well-maintained Sea Camp facilities, scenic beaches, abundant wildlife, and the historical significance of sites like Plum Orchard. Many praise the seclusion and magical...
Based on 719 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints relate to ticks, mosquitoes, unmaintained trails, and insufficient restroom facilities during renovations. Some users also criticized the ferry’s limited schedule and the need for...
Based on 719 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray and tick protection. Cyclists should use bikes with wide tires. Pack light as you must carry gear to campsites. Visit Plum Orchard and Dungeness for historical insights. Plan trips...
Based on 719 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews in summer mention high bug activity, while winter visitors enjoy cooler temperatures and fewer insects. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather but can have occasional rain.
Based on 719 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campsites are beautiful and private with a magical feel.' 2. 'Be prepared for ticks and mosquitoes, especially in summer.' 3. 'The history and wildlife make every trip unique.'
Based on 719 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Sea Camp is praised for its amenities like showers and potable water. Stafford Beach is highlighted for its balance of primitive and developed features. Yankee Paradise and Brickhill Bluff are noted...
Based on 719 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility information is sparse in reviews, but the availability of flush toilets and potable water at Sea Camp and Stafford suggests some general convenience.
Based on 719 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed on the island, with no reviews mentioning experiences with service animals.
Based on 719 reviews0
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Last updated February 17, 2026
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